A swoosh mark in the shoe, a Levis jean and a cool branded T-shirt all this would definitely be flaunted by any brand conscious person. Wearing branded apparels is not just a craze of wannabes but it is the trust which one holds for the product from a particular company. Buy how many of us can afford branded goods as often as we buy normal ones; This worry doesn't seem to bother people in Chennai as there are factory outlets of all the branded goods and big store labeled products in more than one location offering exactly what the customer want in a much cheaper & discounted price.

A Factory Outlet is a manufacturer-owned store selling that firm's closeouts, discontinued merchandise, irregulars, canceled orders, and, sometimes, in-season, first-quality merchandise. "These stores offer the same kind of products at a price which is affordable. I visit the Pantaloons factory outlet at North Usman Raod, Reebok outlet in Besant Nagar. A Reebok T-shirt which would cost around Rs. 1800 in general stores would range from thousand rupees here"says Ramana, an IT employee.

Brand is the catchphrase today. The growing income capacity of Chennaites has led a pathway for the purchase a branded goods. But regular showroom prices still reside in lofty heights that more and more people resort to the much cheaper and close to same quality branded items form factory outlets. "Flaunting the label of products is more important for me and frankly factory outlets give me just what I want" says Hanisha, a fashion conscious young lady.

Louis Phillipe, Arrow, Indigo Nation, Levi's, Lee, Weekender, Adidas, Reebok, Nike, and the list is long , all of these brands have one or more factory outlets. Even retail shops like Globus , Pantaloons make roaring business through their factory outlets. "What one must be vary of these factory outlets is the quality. It is my perception that there might be few defected pieces in the merchandise" says Neeta, a cautious shopper.

There are various 365 days offer at the factory outlets. So many innovative marketing strategies are adopted like buy one getting three free, `half-price', `365 days discount', 'different level percentage discount to flatter customers.

Slightly better customer service, wonderfully set showroom is what which differs from a normal store and a factory outlet. End of the day it's the Branded good that matters more than shopping atmosphere and the experience. Now there is no stopping for shopaholics to postpone their splurging plans for festival discounts. March towards the factory outlets to buy your favorite brand!

So.......Check out these outlets for that Shopping Spree....

• Globus Stores, Abirami Mega Mall,
• Pantaloon Factory Outlet, North Usman Rd, T Nagar
• Indian Terrain Factory Outlet, Nelson Manickam Road
• Reebok Factory Outlet, Besant Nagar
• Megamart, for various brands, Saidapet.

SOWJANYA.S